As oversized vehicles, such as semi-trucks hauling large loads or farm equipment, become more common on highways, it's important for drivers to be aware of the safety measures needed to navigate around them.
Micheala Solomon is the communications consultant for SGI. She explains the safety measures that should be taken when coming across oversize vehicles on the road, beginning with an emphasis on giving them space.
“Keep your distance, give these vehicles lots and lots of space stay back, further than you normally would with the other passenger vehicles. Give them extra time to break and maneuver. These vehicles will maybe move a little bit slower so just be patient and give them that extra time.”
This also comes with an understanding of blind spots as Solomon notes “the bigger the vehicle the bigger the blind spot will be”.
“If you can't see the driver in their mirrors, they can't see you either so to remember try to avoid spending too much time directly beside them or behind them. Pass them at a safe and reasonable speed but pass them.”
With these vehicles potentially moving slower, and the space required to safely operate around them, passing them safely and efficiently is important. This means passing on the left, never the right, as well as knowing when not to pass.
“They need a lot of room to turn so when those wide turns are coming up if you see them signaling, give them plenty of space. That is not the time to try to squeeze by them.”
It is recommended that drivers always avoid driving in between the over dimensional load and the pilot vehicle.
Oversize vehicles or equipment also typically require more time and more room to slow down, which is why Solomon stresses the importance of avoiding sudden movements like turns or lane changes.
Flashing amber lights indicate when an oversized vehicle is approaching, and lights on smaller vehicles indicate their presence, especially at night.
“That's where speed comes into it too, being patient. You might not have the visibility to pass in a safe manner and if you need to hang back a little bit until you are able to get that visibility, that's what's going to ensure you get to your destination safely and that the other driver gets to his or her destination safely as well.”
Another crucial aspect is remaining alert, highlighting why it's crucial that drivers are under no distractions while navigating.
“Making sure your phone is put away, making sure the people in the vehicle know that the driver needs to be focused on the task at hand, which is safely navigating around other vehicles on the highway.”
She reminds that oversized vehicles like tractors or other farm equipment typically are not on the road for long, and patience is key when following or attempting to pass these vehicles.
“These vehicles are going to travel slower, so hang back, give them their space and be patient, especially with farm equipment. They're typically not on the road for very long. They might just be going from field to field so if you if you hang back, they'll hopefully be out of your way in good time.”
This comes with a reminder that speed limits are for ideal conditions, and especially in the winter, the appropriate speed for the conditions may be lower for larger vehicles.
“We all need to keep in mind that when we're traveling in the city, on the highway, around other vehicles, the main goal for everyone should be arriving at their destination safely - not quickly.”